A commercial contractor I spoke with recently said he didn’t need a website. What he needed were more employees! In today’s tight job market, he was missing out on a golden opportunity. Why not create a website that kicks butt as a recruitment tool? As employees are hired and the organization takes on more work, the website pays for itself.

The planning that goes into every website developed by Packerland Websites begins with the same important question: What are your business objectives? If you have jobs to fill, employee recruitment might be at the top of your list.

I asked Tracy Beyer, Human Resource Specialist at LeTourneau Plastics in Oconto, how the company uses its website (built by Packerland Websites) for recruitment. After all, the manufacturer has a roadside sign directing job seekers to its website.

1. Post job descriptions in real time
LeTourneau often has more than one position open. To save time and labor, LeTourneau directs candidates to the website right away instead of manually changing the roadside sign as positions change. The website makes it easy for LeTourneau to announce each opening and post its job description. The job postings are readily available 24/7, convenient to anyone searching after hours.

2. Easy navigation directs candidates to applications
The most useful recruitment feature on the LeTourneau website is the simple pathway to the employment opportunities pages (About Us > Employment Page > Apply Online link). The link directs candidates to the online/printable application and the application instructions. The Employment Quick Link found in the footer of every page also brings candidates to the application link.

3. Streamlined application processing
The Human Resources employees have automatic access to applications immediately after the applications are submitted. The website forwards applications to the staff’s Outlook email inboxes. The staff can instantaneously prequalify the candidates and advance to the next phase of the hiring process.

4. Adaptable content for recruitment
WordPress (our CMS–content management system), makes it easy for multiple users to change and update content. This flexibility is helpful at LeTourneau because the staff is able to modify the text according to specific application requirements and processes.

5. Give recruits a reason to choose you
Serious job seekers will research employers online before they apply for a job. An attractive, user-friendly company website will contribute to the strength of your brand. Visitors to the LeTourneau website see images and text describing the company’s history, capabilities, products, and commitment to quality control. The employment page touts the company’s competitive wages, full insurance benefits, 401(k), vacation, paid holidays, and 1st shift Monday-Friday schedule.

6. Bells and whistles
Dress up your website with features that will resonate with potential employees
• Clickable “Now Hiring” button on the Home page
• Employee testimonials, either written or video
• “Meet our Staff” pages that include photos and professional bios
• Employee profiles as Blogs and Vlogs
• Job satisfaction surveys
• Photos, videos, and articles that demonstrate the company culture
• Compensation, training, and benefit package information

If you have jobs to fill, are you giving recruits a good reason to choose you? Your brand is more important than ever in today’s competitive job market. We can help you build that brand and attract talented employees. Give us a call today, 920-826-5901.